Showcasing the DNR: Taking a shot at shooting sports

- SHOWCASING THE DNR -

Taking a shot at
shooting sports leads to fun new experience

By
MAKENZIE SCHROEDER
Michigan Department of Natural Resources

My family has never been interested in outdoor recreation.
While most children would come back to school in the fall discussing their
latest camping trip or plans for hunting, my memories (which I cherish deeply)
often involve somewhere with an accessible thermostat.

Only once did my parents, sister and I try camping – we
were out in my backyard using a relative’s tent and blow-up mattresses. As the
night went on, we all managed to find our way back inside the house. Other than
regular trips to the beach and walks outside, any attempt at embracing the
outdoors ceased after that.

As my childhood turned into adulthood, I always wanted to
do more but never knew where to start. None of my friends were outdoor
enthusiasts, and I had no clue how to get involved on my own. When I developed an
interest in shooting sports, I did not really have anyone to share that
curiosity with.

It took years for me to finally ask someone to go. I guess
I just assumed that since I did not grow up in a family full of hunters and
nature lovers, I wouldn’t fit in with the activity and those who do it.

I was scared to try something like this without prior
experience. Not to mention, as a woman, I have never felt comfortable in
male-dominated sports. However, when I finally visited the Michigan Department
of Natural Resources-managed shooting range in Ortonville, I felt like it was a
place meant for me.

I was able to go with my partner and his father, and they both
graciously walked me through the steps of properly handling, using and – later,
when we returned to their home for the evening – cleaning a gun. They also let
me use a few of theirs, explaining what they are and the importance of using
them properly.

Shooting sports can be dangerous, so it’s important to know
what you’re doing. Everyone has to start somewhere, though, and with
DNR-managed shooting ranges sprinkled throughout Michigan, there are many
employees ready to answer questions and help us newbies who are trying to get
involved.

While at the range, I
was able to try out a 20-gauge shotgun, .22 caliber rifle and a .45 ACP 1911
style handgun – outside of their names, and general look and feel, I probably
couldn’t tell you much more about them (I also had to double-check that these
were even their names).

When it was time for me to start shooting, I went straight
to the clay pigeons with the shotgun – maybe not the easiest task for a
beginner.

Holding the gun, I was nervous that I would hurt myself.
With its kick, holding it improperly could mean a bruised shoulder. And for
someone who has only shot a bow and Nerf gun before (the latter at a church
camp – again, my parents and sister had no interest), the field ahead of me and
moments to come were filled with uncertainty.

However, when lifting the shotgun, turning off the safety
and finally pulling the trigger, I realized I had nothing to fear. My worries
about being knocked down and landing on my butt weren’t fulfilled, and I
started having some fun aiming at the clay pigeons and feeling excitement as I
hit them – although it took a few tries and shooting the ground once before I
was able to.

The handgun proved to be just as fun, although such a
different experience from shooting a shotgun. As an outsider looking in, once
you’ve shot one gun you may feel like you’ve shot them all. However, both were
totally different experiences. The handgun was arguably harder to shoot due to
its different feel and kick compared to the shotgun, which I felt through my entire
body when shooting due to its force.

The rifle also offered a different style of shooting – for
this, I was able to sit down and rest the barrel on sandbags. I felt very
comfortable with the gun and enjoyed seeing myself progressively get closer to
a bull’s-eye with each pull of the trigger. I truly felt like I had given this
activity my best shot (notice the pun?). And as a woman, the employees did not
once make me feel out of place.

According to the Industry and Intelligence Report’s 2018
edition on hunting and target shooting participation, featuring a compilation
of data from the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) Annual Sports
Participation Reports (2003-2017), the number of participating women in
shooting activities has been rising. From roughly 5.3 million total female
shooters in 2006 to 8.5 million in 2017, women are getting more involved with
firearms for hunting and target shooting – including me.

The takeaway for other women, I hope, is that shooting
sports are meant for everyone – including us ladies and beginners of all skill
levels. Driving down the dirt road away from the range when the day was done, I
left feeling that the afternoon had been filled with success, excitement and
learning – something I’m convinced other beginners will experience when they
try shooting sports for the first time. My only regret is waiting so long to
get involved.

Rifle: Makenzie
Schroeder, shooting a rifle for the first time, enjoyed seeing her shots get
progressively closer to the bull’s-eye.

Shotgun: As
part of her first shooting range experience, Makenzie Schroeder tries out a 20-gauge
shotgun.

Target: Makenzie Schroeder
with a souvenir target from her enjoyable and educational first shooting range
visit./

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.